News

Jan 8, 2026

Welcome Letter from New NWSA Board President Jess Wills

I am honored to step into the role of President of the National Wildfire Suppression Association, and I want to begin by offering my sincere thanks to Claren Nilsson for her dedicated service as President. Claren’s leadership, professionalism, and steady guidance strengthened this association during a period of significant operational and policy complexity. On behalf of the entire membership, thank you, Claren, for your time, commitment, and lasting contributions to NWSA.

Oct 23, 2025

Safety, Professionalism, and Compliance: The Baseline That Protects Everyone on the Fireline

When fire seasons stretch longer and incidents grow more complex, the temptation is to fill resource gaps with “any crew at any price.” That is a mistake. Lives depend on verified training, lawful hiring, and meaningful performance oversight. Unvetted crews and undocumented hiring create unacceptable safety and liability risks—not just for the people on the line, but for the communities we serve and the agencies we support.

Jun 13, 2025

Executive Order Signals Breakthrough for Wildfire Prevention and Response

On June 12, President Trump signed the Executive Order “Empowering Commonsense Wildfire Prevention and Response,” a move that brings long-needed attention—and action—to the operational challenges facing the wildland fire community.

Apr 15, 2025

Exciting Additions to the NWSA Team

NWSA is thrilled to announce several new partnerships and staffing updates that will benefit our members, strengthen our programs, and support the continued professionalism of our industry. These individuals and organizations bring deep experience and proven expertise that will help us grow, adapt, and lead.

Apr 1, 2025

NWSA Member Companies Support Wildfire Response in Carolinas

More than 400 firefighters and personnel from member companies from the National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA) have been deployed to North and South Carolina to support efforts to contain the Black Cove and Table Rock Complex wildfires.

Mar 30, 2025

NWSA Brings Key Wildfire Response Priorities to Capitol Hill

Earlier this month, the NWSA Executive Board traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with congressional leaders, members of the Department of the Interior, and the new Chief of the U.S. Forest Service.

Mar 28, 2023

NWSA to support State and Federal Work to Prevent Catastrophic Wildfires

Recognizing years of underfunded forest management, State and Federal agencies have the mandate to do more fuels management, prescribed fire and forest restoration work to help mitigate the catastrophic wildfires we’ve seen in the West.

Jun 18, 2020

Training for 2020 Fire Season

The 2020 wildfire season is already underway in much of the western United States. The Professional Private Wildland Fire Service (PPWFS) companies have adapted their training and preparation to prioritize COVID-19 safety procedures and ensure their crews’ readiness.

Apr 27, 2020

Ready to Respond for 2020 Fire Season

Professional Private Wildland Fire Service (PPWFS) companies provide the “boots on the ground” response to wildfires across the United States and stand ready to respond for the 2020 fire season as we have for the past 30 years.

Nov 13, 2018

California Wildfire Suppression Efforts

The professional private fire companies of the National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA) stand ready to provide supplemental support in partnership with State and Federal agencies.